Noam Chomsky undresses Sam Harris: Stop “pretending to have a rational discussion”
The new atheist tries to "engineer a public conversation" about terrorism and humiliates himself in the processAlterNet Staff, AlterNet
May 5, 2015
The popular atheist and torture-supporter Sam Harris recently tried to engineer a public conversation with radical linguist Noam Chomsky about the ethics of war, terrorism, state surveillance, and related topics. Harris shared the exchange publicly, chalking it up as an unpleasant and fruitless encounter.
Readers might disagree.
April 26, 2015
From: Sam Harris
To: Noam Chomsky
Noam I reached out to you indirectly through Lawrence Krauss and Johann Hari and was planning to leave it at that, but a reader has now sent me a copy of an email exchange in which you were quite dismissive of the prospect of having a debate with me. So I just wanted to clarify that, although I think we might disagree substantially about a few things, I am far more interested in exploring these disagreements, and clarifying any misunderstandings, than in having a conventional debate.
If youd rather not have a public conversation with me, thats fine. I can only say that we have many, many readers in common who would like to see us attempt to find some common ground. The fact that you have called me a religious fanatic who worships the religion of the state makes me think that there are a few misconceptions I could clear up. And many readers insist that I am similarly off-the-mark where your views are concerned.
In any case, my offer stands, if you change your mind.
Best,
Sam
April 26, 2015
From: Noam Chomsky
To: Sam Harris
Perhaps I have some misconceptions about you. Most of what Ive read of yours is material that has been sent to me about my alleged views, which is completely false. I dont see any point in a public debate about misreadings. If there are things youd like to explore privately, fine. But with sources.
in full: http://www.salon.com/2015/05/05/noam_chomsky_undresses_sam_harris_stop_pretending_to_have_a_rational_discussion_partner/
NoJusticeNoPeace
(5,018 posts)For the record I was disgusted by HArris's views on Islam, but other than that
and if he supports torture, fuck that
but somehow I think that he is an atheist is at the crux of most criticism about him
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)I honestly don't know..faith seems kind of like an insurance policy and you don't appreciate
it when someone tries to fool around with your premiums.
NoJusticeNoPeace
(5,018 posts)on it that was on here DU somewhere.
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)I have wondered when we will have an elected official who feels comfortable
saying, I'm an atheist. Hopefully sooner than later.
NoJusticeNoPeace
(5,018 posts)i ever heard Bernie say that, have you?
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)become president...yet I don't know when that all began.
NoJusticeNoPeace
(5,018 posts)because of the idiots who were skeered of commies.
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)Joe Chi Minh
(15,229 posts)as Mr Harris has found out, albeit in the judgment of a more sober atheist.
Being a legend in his own lunch-time among similarly rabid, immature atheists, it hadn't occurred to Harris that Chomsky had nothing to gain from a public discussion with him, while giving him a risibly-exaggerated credibilty with the public.
A discussion with another, serious, atheist intellectual, such as Alvin Pantinga, were he as interested in geopolitics, might have been another matter.
NoJusticeNoPeace
(5,018 posts)Joe Chi Minh
(15,229 posts)And of that number there would be few, I dare say, who would be rabidly religious about it.
Militant atheists/secular fundamentalists, however, exhibit the same ferocious passion about their belief in the non-existence of God, as Christian fundamentalists in the literal truth of every phrase in the Bible. And that is what Chomsky was adverting to. In any case, Chomsky is in a different ball-park. He belongs to the world. Harris glories in a small subculture and just think it's the world.
Alvin Plantinga and Thomas Nagel, however, are distinguished, atheist philosophers who take theism and its teleological implications very seriously. Why don't you try to?
struggle4progress
(118,282 posts)Gregorian
(23,867 posts)But I digress.
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)for peoples health. So good for him, the radical and brilliant man that he is.
Gregorian
(23,867 posts)But he actually isn't radical at all. This is why I am cheering Bernie Sanders on. He is like a long lost Chomsky brother. Backs up his statements with facts; is careful about what he says; isn't self absorbed. I remember Laugh-in. Those were the days.
But I'm digressing again.
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)lethal as the main stream media..Patriot Act comes to mind, but that is merely one
of many.
oberliner
(58,724 posts)Harris tries to be civil and engage in a philosophical discussion and Chomsky can't even be bothered with the being civil part.